Babalawo

The babalawo, literally “father of secrets” in Yoruba, is the priest-diviner of Ifá. His training, which lasts several years, consists of memorizing the odu and the thousands of verses attached to them, and of mastering the instruments of consultation and the prescribed rites. He is consulted to shed light on a decision, understand a hardship or learn which offerings are recommended. His counterpart in the Fa of Benin is the bokonon. The role also exists in the African diaspora religions of the Americas that grew out of the Yoruba tradition.